Senior Structures Engineer El Segundo, California, United States

Low Earth orbit is open for business . Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. From life‑saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in‑space ecosystem. About this Role Varda is seeking an experienced Senior Structures Engineer to join our team. In this position, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, build and test of primary and secondary structures for Varda's new spaceflight structures and reentry vehicles. We are looking for engineers who thrive on solving complex problems, can operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment, and share our passion for advancing in‑space industry. The structures team supports a diverse range of projects and responsibilities -- this includes the design and development of spaceflight structures, mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE), and basic spacecraft mechanisms, as well as the mechanical needs of other teams across the company. This is a full‑time, exempt position located at our El Segundo headquarters. Responsibilities Derive hardware requirements and perform initial design trades given open‑ended problem statements and stakeholder input. Evaluate the impact of hardware design decisions on packaging, thermal, environmental, and loads to ensure the best system‑level solution. Own all aspects of hardware delivery, both technical and administrative. Use hand calculations, finite element analyses, and computer‑aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds requirements. Design and execute development and qualification testing. Develop tooling to support hardware integration and testing. Technical mentorship of junior engineers. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 7+ years of experience in related applications (e.g., structures for automotive, aircraft, spacecraft, etc.). Strong first principles thinking with a deep understanding of structural design, analysis, and test. Ability to perform appropriate structural analyses to demonstrate that a structure design meets or exceeds requirements (e.g., Hand Calcs, Ansys, Femap, Nastran, etc.). Excellent 3D CAD skills (ideally NX) and experience translating models to production intent (detailed drawings, work instructions, etc.). Experience working with revision‑controlled documentation in a PLM system (Teamcenter preferred). Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication. Basic technical breadth across other disciplines (avionics, software, GNC, etc.). Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries. Preferred Skills and Experience Experience with aerospace hardware development practices, from concept to delivery (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.). Direct experience with spaceflight vehicles, especially reentry vehicles, and the associated technical challenges therein. Experience with programming tools (Python, Matlab, etc.). Comfortable with hands‑on assembly, fabrication, and machining of metallic parts. Experience designing and analyzing spacecraft heatshields. Pay Range $133,650 - $170,775 per year This role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA Leveling and base salary is determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards Benefits Flexible PTO policy +12 paid holidays 100% company‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer‑matched HSA options Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers) Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start‑up 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested) $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement Relocation support for new hires, if needed Workplace Experience & Perks Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours and mission‑success celebrations Complimentary EV charging Dog‑friendly office space Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. Varda space industries participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. The E‑Verify program is an Internet‑based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. #J-18808-Ljbffr Varda Space Industries, Inc.